Rigid awning



Feb. 19, 1952 F. w. HUGHES 2,586,337

RIGID AWNING Filed May 6, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 60 38 V'IIIIIIIIII, 38 F g, 3 40 A I k n i??? p w L\ \1\ N:\\ *IRiA \1\ 7 \7 1 I 68 66 6 \l I g 66 w 8 Q fi W 62 64 3 60 x 72 Inventor Frank W. Hughes F. W. HUGHES RIGID AWNING Feb. 19, 1952 Filed May 6, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 r m e w I Frank W. Hughes F. W. HUGHES Feb. 19, 1952 RIGID AWNING 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 6, 1948 Frank W. Hughes JNVENTOR.

Wynn/a 5M5 Patented Feb. 19, i952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE RIGID AWNING Frank W. Hughes, Charleston, W. Va., assignor to Enduro Metal Awning Corporation of America, Charleston, W. Va., a corporation of West Virginia Application May 6, 1948, Serial No. 25,410

12 Claims. 1

of protection against adverse weather conditions.

with the advantages of ample and eificient ventilation through the structure of the awning itself.

1 Another very important object of this invention is to provide an article of such construction as to be capable of ready assembly into rigid awnings of various sizes and proportions from relatively light weight, compact and inexpensive standard elements.

A still further important object is to provide an awning structure which is adapted for quick and satisfactory assembly and installation by unskilled labor and with a minimum expenditure of time and effort.

These objects are achieved by the provision of strips or straps of material arranged so as to lend the desired configuration to the awning structure and disposed in spaced overlapped relation in order to provide air slots or openings.

An important feature of the invention resides in its pleasing appearance and in its simple, fabricated construction, which enables the awningto be erected, in size as well as in shape, so as to suit the particular window, door, or the like, which is tobe protected.

' An additional feature of the invention resides in providing an awning structure which will not easily become damaged and which will readily lend itself to economical manufacture.

A further feature of the invention includes the fabrication of a rigidawning, from a relatively few standard interchangeable units, each of simple and compact construction adapted for minimum .cost and ease of transportation and manipulation during assembly.

Another feature resides in the provision of ornamental strips to relieve the fiat appearanceof the article and constitute strengthening and reinforcement elements,which are applied thereto in a novel, simple and advantageous manner. With the above more important objects and features in view and such other objects and features as may become apparent as this specification proceeds, the invention consists-essentially of the arrangement and construction of parts as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in; which: 1 Figure 1 is a perspective view of one-embodiment of the principles of the invention, shown in situ upon a window frame;

Figure 2 is a cross sectional view, taken substantially in the vertical plane through the section line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a cross sectional detail view, taken substantially in the transverse, vertical plane of,

the section line 3-3 of Figure l;

Figure 4 is a cross sectional detail view, taken substantially in the horizontal plane of the section line 4-4 in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of,

rafter members forming part of the framework for the invention;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the interior of the lower left-hand corner portion of the subject shown in Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective view,

parts being broken away, of one of the adjustable side members of the awning supporting frame;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of another em- Like characters of reference are einployed to,

designate like parts in the specification and throughout theseveral views.

- Referring now to the accompanying drawings in detail, and to the embodiment of Figures 1-7 in particular, the invention consists of a rigid, all-metal awning preferably of sheet aluminum, designated generally by the reference character H], the same embodying in its construction a fabricated framework assembly which includes a pair of channel-shaped inclined roof members or rafters M, a front frame member [6 which is preferably Z-shaped in cross-section and a pair of channel-shaped, horizontally extensible side members [8.

1 It is to be noted that the roof members or rafters ['4 are, as is best shown in Figures 5 and 6, disposed in a spaced parallel relation at the sides of the awning roof, being provided at their upper ends with out-turned ears 20 whereby they may be readily and rigidly secured to any suitable supporting surface, such as the frame 22 of a window, door or the like, which is to be pro-. tected by. the awning.

The aforementioned front frame member 16,

see Figure 6, connects together the lower ends of the roof members 14, While for purposes of re-' inforcement, a cross member 28, see Figure 5,

is detachably secured to the roof members 14 as at 26 adjacent but spaced inwardly of their elevated extremities, as will be clearly apparent. If desired, cross members it and 24 may be of longitudinally extensible construction, similar to frame members 18, as set forth hereinafter.

The forward end portions of the side members l8 are welded, bolted, or otherwise suitably secured as at 28 to the lower end. portions of the roof members It, inwardly from their lower extremities, while the rear ends of the side'mem bers l8 are secured by suitable brackets 30 to the Window frame 22.

By means of the brackets 30, and the associated construction, the side members arerendered longitudinally extensible. As seen best in Figure-'7, the sidewall of member I8 is provided with bolts l9 extending into'the interior. of-the channel, to which nuts 2| are secured. The

headsof bolts 19, notshown, as well as the headsof any of the other fasteningbolts, may-of course be countersunkto provide a smooth surface-to the awning.- The bracket 36 has a-verticalwa1l 23 and integral top and bottom-walls 25 and 21 and an end wall- 29 having-an aperture 3| for securing the bracket to a support surface. 25, 21 are adapted to slidably engagethe inner surfaces of the channel members [8, and a slot 33 in the: wall 23 slidingly receives the bolts l9 whereby the member i8 is retainedsecurely upon but-is adjustable longitudinally of the bracket 38.

This construction enables the-side frame mem bers to -be adapted-to inequalities in the various inequalities so often foundinthe vertical surfacesto which awnings are attached.

An important: featureof novelty in the inven-- tion resides in the provision of a fabricated covering for the-awning framework, this including a fabricated, pre-formed roof panel32 carried by ended: channels 38 are included in the structure of the-roof panel 32, each of these channels covering one of r the joints 36= andeach channel being formed at the longitudinal edges thereof. withspa'ced, doubled portions defining interior grooves 4 -which are disposed laterally from theinterior walls of the channels 318, and int'urned flanges 4|.

' Suitable retaining clips 42, assuming theiorm of short straps'or plates of rigid-character, are:

slidably= receivableinthe' grooves 40'- of each of the channels 38, the clips 42 being secured by. suitable bolts orscrewsrM tothe straps 34 and bridging the joints 36, to thereby clamp: thev flanges ofithe'channels 38 to the straps.34, as isl-best. illustrated in Figure 3-;

It will be apparent that in; this; manner the channels- 38 areefiectivelyi retained irrposition,

The walls 23,-

being easily inserted or removed by merely loosening the screws 44.

It should be here recognized that this channel and clip construction serves three distinct functions. The foremost is the provision of an easily applied or removed fastening means for firmly unitingthe. various sheet metal elements 34 of theawnin'g', thereby facilitating the assembling or the taking down of the device by a workman on'a ladder, as well as the convenient transportation and storage of its components. A second function is the provision of reinforcing members to render. the sheet metal awning stronger and more rigid in its entirety, enabling the thin sheet metal parts to be-- serviceably and satisfactorily employed in relatively large awnings without danger of: damage from their own weight, size or exterior forces such as wind, snow or the like. Finally, the channels provide a pleasing ornamental finish or embellishment, since they may beappropriately colored to form ornamental effects; breakmp the flat appearance of therooi.

ta-form a corrugated effectserveasrain chanw nels and the :like. 7

Rain,: or the like, is.- prevented fromgaining.

access into the-interior of thechannelsmembers:

38 whose upper? ends rest and terminate on the;

crossbar 2d,- bymeans ofia deflector plate which extends transversely of the panel 32 and covers theiuppenopen ends of the.=channel 38, and the spacebetween the 'crossmember'24' and the awning supporting surface 22, the plate: 48 being carried by suitable-brackets. 5B, securedto. the awning, supporting surface, asthe: window frame 22 as at 52 and also detachablysecuredto' the aforementioned cross memberid as at' 54.-

Thespace between the ends of thestraps-SM;

the :cross member. 2 and the support-surface222 isprovided to permit the:escap e-of= the heated air. rising up the inclined under surface-of. the roof, panel 32;,to thus: effect a circulation: of air: with a resultant cooling and better. ventilation of.the

space beneath 1 the awning,

The bracket 5U includes: an intermediate, vertical portion 5|; apertured at 53 to receivethe: supporting fasteners 52, and substantially parallel, sloping upper andilower apertured arms- 55: and 51, the-former carryingv the deflector plateor. rain shield 48. The. armx'dl is terminally; up turned asat 59 andsupports the cross member 24, which is secured thereto as, air-54.-

A downwardlyextendingflapor strip :56 is provided at the; front edge of the awningv (beingsecuredeto the front member i6) andthe flap. 56 may be formed-witha peakedlbead 58-for pun-- poses of ornamentation andvstifieningv A set of louvre strips-60, 62 .is providedat each endof the awning toformthesidesthereof, these louvre strips beingsecured totlie side faces of the framework members. I L. ('8' and, for purposes of'ornamentation, being provided with laterally angulated, verticaledge portions 64,166; respectively; 7 7

It is'to benoted that lbuvre'stri'ps 6'0; G'Z-a're' disposed at" and mounted on" the outer-side or face" of the members l4, l8; andthat they arearranged in astaggered, butt -lap'ped formation,- being' secured togetherand to members l4 and I8- by means of suitable: screws 66 toform: end panels;

Moreover; the louvre strips: 60,, that: is; the alternate; strips:- in: the sets; are" formed,- with. struckeout: portions: 10 providing, air; openings: 12 for purposes of ventilation.

Alternatively, the: louvre-- strips. may be arranged on opposite sides of and individually attached to members I4 and I8 as shown in the accompanying Figure 10, representing a modified end panel construction of the invention.

- In this modified embodiment, the louvre strips I4, I6, corresponding to the aforementioned-strips 60, 62, respectively, are disposed in a spaced, staggered and overlapped formation, alternately at the inner and outer sides of the members I4, I8 of the framework, to which they are secured by suitable screws I8, the adjacent surfaces of strips I4 and I6 being thus spaced from each other instead of in the butt-lapped assembly of members 60 and 62 in Figure .4.

The disposition of the strips I4, It at the inner and outer sides or faces of the members I4, I8 results in the provision of air passages 82 between the louvre strips, as will be clearly apparent, thus obviating the need for louvrecl openings corresponding to the openings I2.

The hereinbefore described construction has particular utility for ease of installation or transportation as well as the requirements for unusual sizes of awnings are present. However, in certain instances where these considerations are less critical a more completely prefabricated construction, such as that disclosed in Figures 8-10 may be deemed to be preferable.

In this arrangement, the awning I00, including a roof panel I02, front flap I04, side panels Hi and a rain shield I08 is mounted upon a supporting surface III] by the same supportingframework as in the preceding embodiment. Either of the end panel constructions of Figures 4 and 10 may be employed, the latter being illustrated in Figure 8.

The roof panel IE2 is preferably of a rigid, permanently united construction, consisting of a plurality of flat strips II2 and channel members I I 4 together with connector strips I I6, united by a conventional joint well known in the sheet metal art as a Pittsburgh seam. Thuslone edge of each strip II2 is folded back on itself as at H8 and terminates in a refolded flange I20 providing a groove or channel I22 with the fold IIS forming a seam joint I24. joints I26 are provided on both edges of the connector strips IIB. As will be readily understood, the unformed edges of the members II2 and the lateral base flanges I28 of the channelmembers II4 are received in the grooves or channels I22 and being secured by compressing in any suitable manner the folds H8 and I20.

When once assembled, the components of the roof panel I02 thus form a rigid, permanently united sheet. However, the channel members II4 possess the same advantages and have the same three functions as accrue to the corresponding elements 38 of the previously described embodiment. Moreover, the connector strips II6 likewise partake of these functions.

In this embodiment, the front flap IE4 is fabricated in the same manner as the top panel I02, with its channels and strips in effect registering with and forming a continuation of the corresponding elements of the roof panel. In fact, if desired, the flap I04 may comprise an integral part of the roof panel.

It should be especially noted that the coloration and architectural effect imparted to this awning by the channels 38 or H4 and the connector strips IIB may be harmonized with the strips of other adjacent awnings or other architectural features of a house by selecting the appropriate coloration for the channels and strips Similar seam A and by cutting or forming them with the requisite widths during the construction or their assembly and installation.

It is believed that the advantages and use of the invention will be clearly understood from the foregoing disclosure, and, accordingly, further description thereof at this point is deemed unnecessary.

While in the foregoing there has. been shown and described the preferred embodiment of this invention, it is to be understood that minor changes in the detailsof construction, combination and arrangement of part may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

1. In a rigid metal awning a multi-sectional rigid panel comprising a set of flat elongated straps disposed in side by side relation forming joints therebetween, a second set of elongated straps extending longitudinally of and overlying said joints, each of the straps of said second set having downwardly extending portions at its longitudinal edges, said portions resting upon the surfaces of the adjacent parts of juxtaposed straps of said first set, said portions having longitudinally extending recesses in their inner sides, a clamp for each strap of the second set having its side edges received in the recesses, said clamp being rigidly secured to both of said juxtaposed straps, said clamps having its side edges spaced from said first set of straps, and comprising a fiat plate.

2. In a rigid metal awning, a multi-section-al sheet metal panel comprising a set of elongated straps in side by side relation forming joints, a set of elongated channel members disposed longitudinally of and overlying said joints, each channel member having a web spaced above said joint and side walls, each side wall having an inturned flange on the lower end, said flanges abutting and resting upon the adjacent portions of a pair of juxtaposed straps, a longitudinal groove in the inner surface of each side wall, a fastener having side portions slidable in the grooves of each channel member, means adjustably and non-slidably securing said fastener to said adjacent portions of juxtaposed straps and clamping said flanges to said straps.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein said fastener comprises a flat plate.

4. The combination of claim 2 wherein said side walls have an outturned flange coextensive and parallel with said inturned flange, said flanges forming said grooves.

5. In a rigid metal awning, a multi-sectional sheet metal panel comprising a set of elongated straps in side by side relation forming joints, a set of elongated channel members disposed longitudinally of and overlying said joints, each channel member having a web spaced above said joint and side walls, each side wall having an inturned flange on its lower end, said flanges abutting and resting upon the adjacent portions of a pair of juxtaposed straps, a fastener having side portions slidable in the grooves of each channel member, means adjustably and non-slidably securing said fastener to said adjacent portions of juxtaposed straps and clamping said flanges to said straps.

6. In a rigid metal awning, a multi-sectional sheet metal panel comprising a set of elongated straps in side by side relation forming joints, a set of elongated channel members disposed longiano es? tudinally of and overlying. said joints, each channel member havingza webspaced above said joint and side walls, each side wall having an inturned flange on its lower end, said flanges abutting and resting upon the adjacent'portions of apair of juxtaposed straps, a longitudinalgroove in the inner surface of each side wall, a fastener having side portions slidable in the grooves-of each channel'member, means adjustably and non-slidably securing said fastener to said adjacent portions of juxtaposed straps and clamping said flanges to said straps, :said channel-members being open at their ends to form an air passage.

7. Ina rigid metal awning, a multi-sectional sheet metal panel comprising'a set of elongated straps in side by side relation forming joints, a set of elongated channel members disposed longitudinally of and overlying said joints, each channel member having a web spaced above said joint and side walls, each side wall having an inturned flange on its lower end, said flanges abutting and resting upon the adjacent portions of 'a pair of juxtaposed straps, a fastener having side portions slidable in the grooves of eachchannel member, means adjustably and non-slidably securing said fastener to said adjacent portions of juxtaposedstraps and clamping said flanges to said straps, said channel members being open at their ends to form an air passage.

8. A rigid metal awning including a multi-sectional rigid panel composed of a plurality of parallel elongated straps disposed in edgewise side by siderelation with their adjacent edges coplanar and forming joints therebetween, a channel member extending longitudinally of and overlying each of said joints and resting upon the surfaces of adjacent straps, fastening means supported'by and spaced from juxtaposed portions of adjacent straps housed within and secured to said channel member, said channel members being open at their ends to form an air passage.

.9. In a rigid metal awning, a roof panel, a supporting framework for said roof panelcomprising a pair of relatively inclined side rails, one of said side rails including slidingly telescoping members, one member consisting of a box girder of rectangular cross section having a longitudinal opening on one side, the other member comprising a channel member slidable in said box girder, means for securing the telescoping members in adjusted position.

10. In a rigid metal awning, a roof panel, a supporting framework for said roof panel com prising a pair of relatively inclined side rails, one of said side rails including slidingly telescoping 'rality of vertically disposed slats carried by said bars, :said slats being in two rows in back tob-ack arrangement with the slats of one row overlapping and staggered with respect to those of the other'row,'the edges of the slats of each row being turned outwardly fromthose of the other row and being acutely angled with respect to the slats.

12.1n a rigid metal awning, a roof panel, a supporting framework for said roof panel, side panelsmountedton said framework, said side panels each comprising spaced side bars, a plurality of vertically disposed slots carried by said bars, said slats being in two rows in back to back arrangement with the slats'of one row overlapping and staggered with respect to those of the other row, the edges of the slats of each row being turned outwardly and from those of the other row andbeing acutely angled withrespect to the slats, said rows of slats being on opposite sides of saidside bars.

FRANK W. HUGHES.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Re. 21,053 Matthews Apr. 18, 1939 979,244 Anthony Dec. 20, 1910 1,553,925 Bonsall Sept. 15, 1925 1,553,926 Eons-all Sept. 15, 1925 1,826,452 Carpenter et al. Oct. 6, 1931 1,901,976 Martin Mar. 21, 1933 1,926,609 Bauschard Sept. 12, 1933 1,932,145 Pullen Oct. 24, 1933 2,083,681 Baldwin June 15, 1937 2,117,320 Hawley May 17, 1938 2,252,677 'Ackerman Aug. 12, 1941 2,480,447 Cate Aug. 30, 1949 2,486,660 Kurtz Nov. 1, 1949 

